Shopping apps worth downloading

Lorraine Sanders

Updated 12:20 pm, Friday, December 21, 2012

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Photo: Shopnear.me

Image 2 of 6

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Photo: Shopnear.me

Image 3 of 6

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Photo: Shopnear.me

Image 4 of 6

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Photo: Shopnear.me

Image 5 of 6

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Photo: Shopnear.me

Image 6 of 6

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Here are a few examples of merchandise spotlighted on Shopnear.me, an app that allows people to see what local boutiques have in stock and buy items using your iPhone.

Photo: Shopnear.me

Shopping apps worth downloading

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Whether you're a regular retail warrior, obsessed with deals, or looking for ways to simplify and streamline your in-store adventures as much as possible in the weeks ahead, mobile apps may very well be your best friend. Luckily for San Franciscans, there are ample options to make this year's shopping experience a better one.

Zoomingo: Sales and deals at stores near you are the reason to fire up this app, which shows recent price drops on apparel, accessories and household items. The app also tracks price changes for popular items on Pinterest. Available for iPhone and Android. www.zoomingo.com.

Shopnear.me: See what's newly swinging from the racks at local boutiques before setting foot inside, stay up to date on sales and events, and buy select items through your phone with this app. Available for iPhone. shopnear.me.

EBay Now: San Francisco is the only place you can try this new delivery service that will ferry purchases from participating stores to your location within an hour for a $5 fee. A hostess gift or new outfit from a Union Square retailer? It's possible. Available for iPhone or iPad. bit.ly/TOEo7j.

Westfield Centre: If your plans include a trip to downtown's biggest shopping center, this app will help you navigate from store to store, find stores carrying specific products, book restaurant reservations, buy movie tickets and locate the nearest bathroom. Available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry. www.westfield.com/us/mobile.

Shopkick: Use this mobile app to collect rewards just by walking into partner retailers such as Target, Macy's and Best Buy. Redeem them later for free merch and other perks. Available for iPhone, Android. www.shopkick.com.

Bar code-scanning apps: There are many options, but the best not only scan product bar codes and tell you whether lower prices are available in other stores or online, they also offer additional features. Price Check by Amazon lets you buy using your account when you find a better deal, while ShopSavvy offers access to coupons and deals. EBay's Red Laser does that and will also store your loyalty card information. Google Shopper is capable of not only scanning bar codes, but finding items based on scanned images of book or DVD covers.

Individual apps for favorite stores: Retailers big and small offer apps with special features and content. Those worth downloading will make shopping easier or bring special deals. Sephora's app lets you scan products to instantly access reviews, while Nordstrom allows shoppers to schedule in-store pickup for items, and the Bloomingdale's app turns your phone into a personal registry scanner. Most major retail chains offer apps that allow you to view product availability by store, get directions, find store details, view upcoming store events and access special deals.

Don't forget catalog apps: Tablet users can bypass unwanted paper and torn-out pages and instead browse and discover new products, save and share items, and purchase directly from retailer websites using apps such as Google Catalogs and Catalogues by the Find, both available for iPad and Android devices.

This article has been corrected since it appeared in print editions.

Quick bytes

-- Digital upgrades are in store for Westfield San Francisco Centre in the new year, thanks to the arrival of Westfield Labs. Using the city as its initial testing ground, the new office is charged with developing innovative technology to improve the shopping experience across the company's more than 100 locations worldwide. First up? A better version of the traditional mall directory. www.westfieldlabs.com.

-- If you're drowning in e-mail offers but don't want to miss out on great deals, take note: Newly launched startup Hipiti hopes to help shoppers navigate deals and offers from numerous popular brands without the inbox clutter. Connect with your Facebook or Twitter account to access a personalized dashboard of current deals. What's more, the site from co-founders Kristin Flink Kranias and Rama Katkar uses over two years' worth of data to assess deals and highlight those offering unusual or noteworthy opportunities to save. hipiti.com.

-- Bay Area luxury e-consignment site the RealReal has launched an iPhone app aimed at sellers who can schedule pickups for 10 or more items or arrange to ship wearables for free by phone. First-time app users will receive a $50 shopping credit through the end of the year. bit.ly/SQ5Ws1.